Omaha Police Fatally Shoot Woman After Child Slashing Outside Walmart

A woman was shot and killed by police outside a Walmart in Omaha, Nebraska on Tuesday after she allegedly kidnapped a young boy and attacked him with a knife, authorities said.

According to Omaha police, the incident began when the suspect approached a woman and a 2- or 3-year-old boy inside the store, stole a large knife from a display, and then took possession of the child. The suspect reportedly instructed the child's caretaker to walk ahead as she led the child at knifepoint out of the Walmart and down a driveway.

Deputy Chief Scott Gray stated that the suspect and the boy's caretaker exchanged words for several minutes outside until officers arrived in response to a 911 call. Authorities say that when police confronted the woman and issued commands, she began slashing at the child, injuring him across the face and on the hand. Police body camera images released show the suspect raising the knife over the young boy seated in a shopping cart as an officer aimed his weapon.

At least one officer fired at the suspect, who was pronounced dead at the scene. The child's injuries were described as a "rather large laceration" to the left side of his face and a wound to his hand. He was taken to a hospital for treatment and is expected to survive.

Officials said there was no apparent relationship between the suspect and the caretaker or the child, and the motive for the attack remains unclear. Authorities confirmed the incident was isolated and that other shoppers inside the store were not immediately aware of the situation as it unfolded. The Walmart remained closed to most customers while the investigation continued.

The suspect's identity has not yet been released. Omaha police are reviewing surveillance footage from inside the store, and the police shooting is under internal investigation with assistance from the Nebraska State Patrol and Sarpy County Sheriff's Office.